Melissa Ilboudo, studying for a Degree in International Development at the University of East Anglia (UEA) is the British Council’s Shine! International Student of the Year 2010.

Melissa learnt that she was the winner at a fantastic award ceremony in London presented by Konnie Huq, in which all 12 finalists received recognition and praise for their exceptional achievements. You can view coverage of the event on the Shine! website.

Melissa addressed her letter to her uncle and told how, from the beginning of her time at UEA, she had a strong desire both to raise awareness of the effects of climate change and support the work of charity organisations operating in Burkina Faso. Whilst studying at UEA, Melissa has helped to raise more than £200,000 for her home country, attend the 2009 Copenhagen Conference on Climate Change as a delegate, and even meet President Obama.

In her second year at UAE, Melissa began working as a volunteer with Christian Aid, which she credits with enabling her to contribute to her home country. The charity supported her efforts to raise £200,000 for Burkina Faso.

‘I needed to raise £20,000 within 18 months to receive EU match funding,’ she recalls. ‘We actually raised more than £50,000 in 10 months, which will be match-funded by an extra £150,000, so we have now raised more than £200,000!’

Melissa’s fundraising activities included organising a canoeing event, co-ordinating entries for the London marathon and a triathlon, giving talks in schools and churches, and working with local media.

‘Christian Aid volunteers, classmates and friends took part in the marathon and triathlon,’ she says, ‘and we have had enormous support from churches in East Anglia and schools, who have all contributed to the fundraising.’

Of her success, Melissa says: ‘Each of the 12 finalists deserved to win – they are all amazing people. The prize is not only for me but the Eastern region, UEA and the School of International Development.’

For further information about Shine! please see the Shine! website or contact shine@britishcouncil.org.